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Alfa Romeo’s First Mid-Size SUV

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – Front – NAIAS 2017 – EuroDrift

In 2016, Alfa Romeo introduced the world to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has been in production since 2016 with it’s first model year set to 2018. The assembly of the Stelvio occurs at the FCA Cassino Plant in Cassino, Frostinone, Italy. This SUV is a compact luxury crossover with a 5-door layout and the Giorgio platform. Lastly, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV is one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

2.9-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 with 505 Horsepower

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – Side – NAIAS 2017 – EuroDrift

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV sports an all-aluminum 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. This motor produces 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. The Stelvio’s governor restricts the car to 176 mph. From 0 to 60 mph, the Stelvio takes only 3.9 seconds. This car has also obtained the reputation for fastest SUV in the world with a Nürburgring lap time of 7:15.7 as seen in the video below.

Alcantara Sport Seats & Carbon Fiber Trim

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – Rear – NAIAS 2017 – EuroDrift

On the interior, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV has Alcantara sport seats with a leather steering wheel. To increase sportiness, there is also a red push-start button as well as aluminum paddle-shifters. Complementing this even further, the Stelvio has carbon fiber trim. For technology, there is an 8.8” widescreen color display. On the audio end, there is a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Carbon Ceramic Brembo Brakes & 20” Wheels

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – Wheel – NAIAS 2017 – EuroDrift

On the exterior, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV has 20” wheels and other premium features. To complement the wheels, there are carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. On the front, there is a Scudetto grille design. This SUV has a nice ride height which allows for comfort as well as sporty handling. Lastly, the Stelvio displays LED headlamps and tail lights.

50/50 Weight Distribution Ratio & Torque Vectoring

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV makes use of a Q4 AWD system. For the suspension, the Stelvio has a double wishbone front suspension system. On top of this, the Stelvio sports a nearly 50/50 weight distribution ratio as well as torque vectoring. For the braking system, there is an integrated braking setup. Lastly, the Stelvio arrives with the Alfa DNA Pro Drive Mode Selector including the infamous race mode.

MSRP of $81,590 Including Delivery Charge

For a MSRP of $81,590, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV can be yours! This is $38,600 more than the entry-level Stelvio model. But, keep in mind, this cost does include the delivery charge. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is an amazing feat of engineering in the SUV realm that beat out the Cayenne, Levante, and other well-known SUVs. The Lamborghini Urus presents a threat to the Stelvio’s Nürburgring record, but for the price, this is one hell of a sports SUV. In conclusion, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio was the world’s fastest SUV record holder which makes this a legendary vehicle.

The United States Underappreciates the Alfa Romeo 4C

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – Drive – EuroPrestige Motors – EuroDrift

In the United States, Alfa Romeo recently began marketing their vehicles, most specifically the Gilia and Stelvio. Although Alfa Romeo offers a sports car, the 4C, there hasn’t been a very good marketing campaign within the U.S. for it. Not surprisingly, this has led to low sales numbers on the 4C in the states. With a starting MSRP of $55,900, the 4C is a practical sports car that won’t leave a 6-digit hole in your wallet. Usually, these cars are loaded into the $60k price range with options.

A True Italian Sports Car Built in Modena, Italy

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – Side – EuroPrestige Motors – EuroDrift

The Alfa Romeo 4C has been in manufacturing since 2013 in Modena, Italy. The design of the 4C is by Lorenzo Rapacity at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. For a margin of the cost, this vehicle is basically Ferrari’s younger brother. It may not be as powerful or as fancy, but it feels and looks like a real sports car. Another feature that people dislike is the size of the vehicle. Although it is an estimate, this vehicle is optimal for a person under 6 feet tall and under 250 pounds. This is simply due to the Italian design that packs the most into a tiny sports car.

Transverse Mid-Engine 1.75-Liter I4 Engine

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – Rear – EuroPrestige Motors – EuroDrift

The Alfa Romeo 4C sports a transverse mid-engine 1.75-liter I4 with 237 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. These numbers may not be comparable to many other sports cars, but in this tiny vehicle, they are quite impressive. The 4C can hit 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds according to Car and Driver magazine. The top speed of the 4C is 155 mph. This isn’t a major concern as most people won’t be driving their sports car beyond road legal speeds anyway. Unless, you have a chance to hit the Autobahn or a race track.

Aerodynamic, Fuel Efficient, & Lightweight

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – Nose – EuroPrestige Motors – EuroDrift

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a very light vehicle at only 2,465 pounds. The aerodynamics, light weight, and small engine allow the 4C to get 24 mph in the city and 34 on the highway. Note, these numbers are only in effect at respectable accelerations and speeds. Driving the 4C will usually give the urge to spool the turbo and make some fancy maneuvers. Simply, never forget to be respectful driving any sports car on the road at any time.

The United States Needs to Appreciate the 4C

Overall, the Alfa Romeo 4C is a greatly underappreciated sports car in the United States. Alfa Romeo may be to blame due to the poor marketing that has went into this car in the states. It is a very affordable car that could reach a wide base of sports car enthusiasts. It may not be a practical daily driver, but it is a practically priced weekend car. In conclusion, the Alfa Romeo 4C is a fun little sports car that deserves more respect and sales in the U.S.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs. Maserati Levante

On display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the Alfa Romeo Stelvio while the Philadelphia Auto Show displayed the Maserati Levante, the two new Italian stallion SUVs. On the exterior, the two Italian cars share similarities, but under the hood and inside the cabin, they differ quite a bit.

A Quick Look Under the Hood

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has two different engine options. The smaller version is an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine which delivers 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque. Its counterpart, the more powerful twin-turbo V6, delivers 505 horsepower and can go 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Currently, the Maserati Levante features a 3.0-liter V6 engine with either 345 horsepower on the base model or 424 horsepower on the S model. At its best, the Levante takes about 5.0 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. However, a 560 horsepower V8 is scheduled for availability on the Levante in 2018.

Both cars are all-wheel drive, but the Maserati is being built for going off-road. By switching the Levante into its “off-road” mode, drivers enjoy better handling in winter weather or harsh conditions.

Instead of an “off-road” mode, The Stelvio Quadrifoglio has a “race” mode. This feature disables the ESC and activates the overboost function. It also adjusts steering and overall engine performance.

Inside the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Levante

Inside, the two cars have almost nothing in common. The Levante is all about luxury. If the standard leather seats aren’t opulent enough, the Luxury Zegna package features leather and silk seats. The cabin has accents of aluminum as well as a sleek, clean design. The Maserati has Touch Control, a touchscreen display, as well as a customizable gauge cluster.

The Stelvio, in contrast, is less about luxury and more about fun. The Quadrifoglio has sport leather seats which are heavily bolstered for comfort. A wide screen infotainment system takes up most of the dashboard. Dramatic detailing draws the eye and screams “Hey, look at me.” Overall, the interior design of the Stelvio is bolder than the Levante.

How They Compare in Price

The Levante and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio are similar in price at around $70,000+ while the base Stelvio is estimated to be ~$50,000.. Whether you prefer the Levante or the Stelvio depends solely on your lifestyle. If you want an off-road adventure, the Maserati is for you. However, if speed is your thing, go for the Stelvio. In the end, both cars live up to their hype and offer quite a bit of bang for the buck.

Alfa Romeo at NAIAS 2017

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is an event where car manufacturers from around the globe come together and display their “next generation” of vehicles. This year, Alfa Romeo helped set the bar with their new SUV. One of the top five must-sees at this year’s auto show was the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Alfa Romeo first revealed the 2018 Stelvio at the 2016 LA Auto Show. However, since then, it’s been kept out of the spotlight – until now. For the first time since Los Angeles, the new Stelvio was on display for everyone to see.

“The all new Stelvio, named after one of the greatest driving roads in the world – the Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps – sets a new benchmark for the segment.” – Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo.

The Stelvio features an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine that delivers a standard 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque. This allows the Stelvio to achieve a top speed of 144 mph. All that power and speed is kept under control with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

The Stelvio was designed with both safety and security in mind. Standard features include Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio

On display at NAIAS was Alfa Romeo’s sports sedan, the Giulia Quadrifoglio. On the surface, the Giulia looks quiet and reserved, but hidden underneath that restrained exterior is a powerful sports car.

The 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio boasts a Ferrari-derived 505 horsepower 2.9 liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. The car operates with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is not available. However, you can place the car in “race mode” and disable the stability control. Yes, this car will swing out its backend and drift!

The Giulia Quadrifoglio is a car with a split personality or maybe “a secret identity.” By day, it appears as a mild-mannered, family sports sedan – by night, a powerful street crawler, dominating the landscape.

A 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

While the NAIAS was all about the new and innovative design, Alfa Romeo also treated attendees to a nostalgic view of the classic (and extremely rare) 1968 Stradale. There were only 18 of these beauties built, and five of those were turned into concept cars. As you can imagine, it is not often that one gets a chance to see a Stradale in person.

The Stradale was displayed next to Alfa Romeo’s 4C at the Detroit show. It brought home the fact that Alfa Romeo has always pushed the envelope when it comes to power and speed.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Though first revealed at the 2015 NAIAS, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, showed prominently this year at the 2017 auto show.

“Welcome to the return of one of the most historic automotive brands in the world.” – Reid Bigland, head of Alfa Romeo

The brand may be historic, but this new Spider is nothing like the Spiders of the past. Imagine a car that is small, brutally fast, and tight through the corners.

2487 Pounds

0 to 60 MPH in 4 Seconds

75-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

237 Horsepower

258 Pound-Feet of Torque

When you add a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission to the mix, you get a marriage that is pure bliss. The transmission can be operated in either automatic or manual shift modes and is reported to be one of the smoothest on the market.

Take off the top, and you’ll feel like you are flying as you race through the countryside.

Recap of Alfa Romeo at the 2017 NAIAS

There is nothing quite like an Alfa Romeo sports car. Whether you are talking about the 1968 Stradale or the 2015 4C Spider, you know its fast. That is what Alfa Romeo is all about – power and speed. Even their more “sedate” vehicles, the Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan or the Stelvio SUV are all about raw power. You can disguise it however you like, but inside an Alfa Romeo will always be a sports car.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale’s 50th Birthday

In August 2017, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale celebrated its 50th birthday. The 33 Stradale was originally penned by Franco Scaglione in Italy. Currently, the Museo Storio Museum in Arese, Italy has a 33 Stradale on display. The Italian wording for this year’s celebration was “33 La Bellezza Necessaria” which means “33 Necessary Beauty”. These words fit perfectly with the beauty and timeless appearance of the exterior of the Stradale.

Debut at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza 1967

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was initally designed around the technology of the Tipo 33 race cars. It made its debut at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in August 1967. At this point, Alfa Romeo adapted the Quadrifoglio four-lead clover badge as a symbol of pride. Fortunately for fans, the 33 Stradale was displayed on temporary exhibit for it’s 50th birthday. If you don’t get a chance to see it here, there’s always next time.

33 Stradale’s Chassis Used for Many Concept Vehicles

From the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale’s chassis, there were multiple concept cars designed over the years. These cars include the 33/2 Daytona, 33 SC 12 Turbo, 33TT12, Carabo, and Iguana. There’s a good chance you may have never heard of some or all of the vehicles. But, they were all created by Alfa Romeo on the 33 Stradale’s chassis. Each car had its own styling and purpose, ranging from full out race car to pedestrian concept car.

2.0-Liter V8 Engine with 6-Speed Colotti Manual Transmission

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a rear mid-engine two door vehicle. It was produced from November 1967 to March 1969 and assembled in Milan, Italy. The 33 Stradale sports a 2.0-liter V8 engine couped with a 6-speed Colotti manual transmission. At only 1,543 lbs, this was a very lightweight vehicle with an estimated 230 horsepower. This allows the car to hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which was quick upon release but can be considered a bit sluggish in modern times. The 33 Stradale has a top speed of 160 mph.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is Worth Over $10 Million in Today’s Market

Overall, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a legendary car that hit it’s 50th birthday in August 2017. Initially sold for $17,000 in 1968, the 33 Stradale is worth well over $10 million in current times. As a rare spectacle, many are not fortunate enough to see this beautiful vehicle. For car collectors, this car equates to the dreams of many. In the end, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a beautiful and timeless car that helped shape the way of racing through the years.

Alfa Romeo 4C: A True Italian Sports Car

The Alfa Romeo 4C, an Italian sports car, can be considered the Ferrari’s younger sibling. It may not be as prestigious of a car as a Ferrari but that doesn’t matter. The Alfa Romeo 4C provides the driver with a true Italian sports car feel for a margin of the price. The 4C has a manual steering system with sport suspension which makes the car feel as if you are driving a go cart. The power to the wheels is amazing, taking in the low 4 second range to hit 60 mph. The interior is minimalist and sleek with a beautiful display of carbon fiber.

Alfa Romeo 4C Considerations

For other consideration, the 4C does have a limited amount of space. The trunk is a decent size for a sports car but there is no way you will fit a set of golf clubs in the trunk. The golf clubs may fit in the passenger seat but that simply risks damaging the interior due to the carbon and leather. As per other items, the 4C trunk does have enough space to store at least (2) 24-pack cases of water bottles. They actually fit quite decently as I expected else wise. Fitting a backpack or a rounded, small luggage bag shouldn’t be a problem.

The other consideration to be taken is that the vehicle can only seat two people at a time. You may think you could squeeze somebody into the trunk but remember that is highly dangerous and illegal. It is also not recommended.

The Alfa Romeo 4C can be a Practical Daily Driver

Otherwise, the Alfa Romeo 4C can work as a daily driver with the right conditions. If roads are manageable and in decent shape, comfort shouldn’t be a problem on a shorter ride. The interior is small and minimalist, so comfort is another consideration to keep in mind. Lastly, it would be best to make sure you won’t have trouble transporting bags or items within the car. Overall, the Alfa Romeo 4C would be a very fun daily driver if you can work with its offerings.